Introducing The Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle or Predjamski Grad as it is called in Slovene is a Renaissance castle built in the gaping mouth of a cavern halfway up a 123-metre-high cliff. It is one of the world’s most dramatic castles and looks simply unconquerable. It is located in the village of Predjama, about 11 kilometres from the town of Postojna and 9 kilometres from the famous Postojna Cave in south-central Slovenia. It was built in the 12th century and first mentioned in 1274, but most of what you see today is from the 16th century. The castle is now a museum that shows the life in the 16th century, with an armoury, dungeon, halls, living quarters and other castle facilities. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia.
Predjama Castle Review
The Predjama Castle is a beautiful renaissance castle built in the mouth of a cave in the idyllic village of Predjama, near Postojna, in the Karst region of Slovenia. It was constructed in the Gothic style in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the more significant architectural masterpieces of that time. To prevent easy access, the castle was built under a natural rocky arch high in the stone wall. The castle has changed ownership several times through its rich history, but the most infamous owner was Erazem of Predjama (Erasmus), a knight who controlled the land in the late 15th century. There are many varying legends about him. Some legends say that he was a passionate, handsome and noble knight while on the other hand he is described as a bandit and a robber baron.
Visit to the Predjama Castle is possible 365 days per year. It’s truly a very unique and very romantic sight throughout the year – during the spring and summer months the castle’s surroundings are covered with blossoms and flowers, in the autumn months it’s clad in a variety of different colors of surrounding forests and it’s especially magical in the winter when everything is draped in white. The castle itself is well run. The entrance fee includes a very informative audio guide in many languages with 29 points of interest throughout the castle detailing its history over the past 800 years. The castle is truly full of history and almost every part is talked about. Visitors can learn about the history of the castle and its owners, ask questions and get some interesting legends and knight stories. There are also many original items, as well as replicas and models in the rooms, halls and towers inside the castle. From May to September it is also possible to visit the picturesque Cave under the Predjama Castle.
A visit to the Predjama Castle will leave you with an unforgettable impression, but please note that there are several steep steps and narrow areas so not suitable for very young children or people with walking difficulties. The entrance fee is €11,90 for adults, €1 EUR for children up to 5 years, €7,10 for children up to 15 years and €9,50 for students. If you are planning on visiting both the castle and the caves then you can purchase a joint ticket and save a couple of euros per person: Postojna Caves + Predjama Castle: €31,90 for adults, €2 EUR for children up to 5 years, €19,10 for children up to 15 years and €25,50 for students.
Timetable of visits:
January, February, March, November, December: 10:00 – 16:00
April, October: 10:00 – 17:00
May, June, September: 9:00 – 18:00
July, August: 9:00 – 19:00
Predjama Castle Pictures
View our image gallery with 8 high-resolution photos that prove you absolutely have to visit the Predjama Castle!
Photo by Miha Krivic, Postojnska jama
The castle is built into an overhanging rock in front of a karst cave hall that is connected with a cave system underneath the castle.
Photo: Postojnska jama
Each year in July the castle and its grounds host one of the largest medieval festivals in Europe, known as the Erasmus Knight’s Tournament after Erazem Predjamski, a knight of Predjama Castle in the 15th century and a renowned robber baron.
Next 2 photos below by Iztok Medja, Postojnska jama
The cave interior with a stone staircase inside the castle.
Used in defense of the castle.
Photo by Daniel Tomanovic
The most amazing Predjama Castle built into the mouth of a cave.
Next 2 photos below by Jure Korber and Tjasa Borsnak
The castle captured from an aerial photography platform.
Another very unique view of the castle from an aerial photography platform.
Photo by Branko Cesnik
Today, the castle houses a very interesting museum, displaying not just a variety of historical items from the castle, but also valuable archaeological findings from the cavers behind it.
For more beautiful photos visit our picture gallery: 10 Beautiful Predjama Castle Photos!
Predjama Castle location on the map
Address: Predjama 1, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia
Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 45.81576, 14.12688
GPS coordinates: 45° 48′ 56.7540” N 14° 7′ 36.7716” E
Postojna is a modern town in southwestern Slovenia, where most people come to visit its remarkable cave. The town was first mentioned in historic documents in 1226. Today it has about 9,200 inhabitants and is the economic, administrative, educational and cultural centre of the Notranjska region of Slovenia. Thanks to Postojna's transformation into a tourist town, there are now four hotels and many other guesthouses and private accommodation options for every traveler's budget in the town. An array of restaurants, cafés and bars can be found in the town too. |
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Overall Rating: The Postojna Cave is a stunning underground system of passages, caverns, magnificent halls and stunning stone sculptures that are more than 20 km long. It is the most visited cave in Europe and the only cave with a double-track railway in the world, where visitors can experience a thrilling train ride through the extraordinary beautiful underground landscape. Visitors explore almost 6 km of the cave. |
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Overall Rating: The Predjama Castle is a beautiful renaissance castle built in the mouth of a cave in the idyllic village of Predjama in the Karst region of Slovenia. It was constructed in the Gothic style in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the more significant architectural masterpieces of that time. To prevent easy access, the castle was built under a natural rocky arch high in the stone wall. |
| The accommodation options in Postojna can be divided into six main categories: hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, apartments, farm stays and hostels. |
Thanks to Postojna’s transformation into a tourist town, there are now five hotels in Postojna, so, if you're planning to visit Postojna and would like to stay in a hotel, read on and find out which are the ones that we recommend. |
A nice guest house offers a friendly and relaxed travelling experience. Most Postojna guesthouses are family owned and operated, and offer a homey atmosphere and friendly service. There are several good guesthouses in Postojna and the surrounding area, find out which are the ones that we recommend the most. |
Many local residents in Postojna offer apartments for rent in their houses. It’s a very popular budget-oriented option when you are staying in Postojna. But be careful, the rates and quality vary seriously, so always do a good research before you book an apartment! |
Bed-and-breakfasts are always a good lodging option. They are a great place to meet fellow travelers, learn more about the area from knowledgeable hosts, and enjoy a hearty breakfast before hitting the road. There are a few good B&Bs in Postojna, find out which ones we recommend the most. |
Hostels provide wallet-friendly, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed in a dormitory or a private room and share a bathroom, lounge and usually a kitchen. Postojna is a small town and currently only has one hostel. Luckily it's a very nice one. Find out if it suits your needs. |
Farm stays can encompass a range of accommodations from rural bed and breakfasts to working farms. Some farmstays are quite luxurious, with comfortable rooms and delicious homemade breakfasts each morning; in this sort of accommodation, your closest contact with the farm itself may be a leisurely stroll across a rolling pasture. Other farmstays offer more hands-on activities, which could include milking cows, feeding livestock, collecting eggs, etc. If you want a nice experience on a farm, stay at one of the farmstays listed here, they are the best in the Postojna area and really worth staying at. |